Mental Disorders What is Mental Illness? An illness that affects the way a person thinks, behaves or interacts with people.

Phobias Intense irrational fears of certain objects or situations Examples: see back of note sheet.

Panic Disorder Irrational fear which causes intense physical reactions –Such as rise in blood pressure –Hyperventilating –Rapid pulse

Irrational anxiety over illness and disease example: someone is sick and so you think you are also sick Hypochondria

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessions are reoccurring, unwanted thoughts or worries ( noun) Compulsions are activities or rituals performed to relieve the anxiety brought on by obsessions.(verb)

Types of OCD’s Washers: fear of germs-hours washing Checkers: fear of having or not having done something-go back and check many times. Cleaners: fear of things being contaminated-constantly cleaning surroundings Hoarders: collect things-do not throw anything away, even garbage

OCD’s Continued Repeaters: feel the need to do things the “right” number of times-if not, something bad might happen. Orderers: have to have things organized absolutely “the right way”

Schizophrenia A chronic and puzzling condition with psychotic symptoms. The person loses touch with reality. May have abnormal emotional responses, withdraw from society, hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking. Also known as “split mind”.

Bipolar Disorder Also known as manic-depressive illness. Involves episodes of serious mania (over activity and restlessness) and depression. Can be helped with medication

Personality Disorders: Schizoid- very sensitive to rejection and criticism from others and tends to withdrawal. Avoidant- prefers to be alone in social situations. Dependent: relies completely on others for a sense of security. Passive-aggressive: indirectly resists cooperating with others.

Personality Disorders Cont’d. Histrionic: needs constant excitement and attention Narcissistic: conceited, arrogant behaviors, very self-centered. Antisocial: no respect for the rights of others, needs to dominate others, as adult, often become criminals.

Depression A prolonged state of extreme sadness. –Lasting more than 2 weeks –Teens more vulnerable to depression b/c of changes in hormones and sleep cycles. Suicide : taking one’s own life. Suicide: 3 rd leading cause of death among the year old age group. (car accidents and murder 1 and 2)

Suicide Continued What else puts teens at suicide risk? –Conduct disorder –Alcohol and drug use –Life stress

Warning signs of suicide: Withdraw from family and friends A drop in grades Changes in eating and sleeping habits. Major change in appearance. Talk about feeling hopeless and helpless. Openly talks about suicide or death. Self destructive behavior(drinking, drugs) Loss of interest in activities Giving away favorite things. Sudden happy or cheerful mood after being depressed or sad for a long time.

What to do to help: Do not ignore the signs. Find time to privately let the person know what you expect. Stay calm, stay with him/her and listen! Reassure the person that many people think about suicide, but never actually do it. Remind the person that suicide cannot be reversed. Ask if they have a plan. Do not allow yourself to be sworn to secrecy. Be honest with the person. Find out about help available in your area.

Who can help? MAPS- –Methacton –Assistance –Program for –Students Guidance Counselors Teachers,Parents Suicide Hotline

You can always get help! Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is always someone to help. Never give up hope.

Laugh! Find humor in a problem “don’t sweat the small stuff” Smile. They are gifts that cost nothing and are usually returned.